An investigation into an illegal New Year’s Eve rave held in Pontypool is being carried out.
On New Year’s Eve around 300 ravers headed to The British, near Talywain, to celebrate the New Year at a drug infused rural rave.
Superintendent Stephen Drayton for Gwent Police said: “We’ve launched an investigation into the unlicensed music event at The British, Talywain, and our neighbourhood policing team will be working with our partners to prevent similar events at this location in the future.”
The rave which was held at an abandoned colliery site began around 11pm New Year’s Eve and was shut down by police around 10am on New Year’s Day.
One of the main stages used during the rave (Image: NQ) A large number of colourful balloons were left on the site the following day.
Alongside the balloons were cans of nitrous oxide better known by its street name ‘laughing gas’.
Balloons used to suck gas out of at an illegal rave (Image: NQ) There was also empty pill packets left on the ground too, and drink infusion cartridges again containing laughing gas which had then been mixed with alcohol.
Locals also reported that a homeless man has been living in the colliery for 8 years but had “nothing to do” with the rave.
A homeless man proving residency at an illegal Pontypool rave site (Image: NQ) A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “Officers attended, issued a section 63 notice to those in the area, directing them to leave.
“We arrested a 32-year-old on suspicion of criminal damage to a property under £5,000 (a vehicle) and possession of a controlled drug of class A – MDMA.
“The woman, from Bournemouth, was released under investigation as our enquiries continue.”
Gwent Police have urged that anyone with any information about the event to contact them quoting log reference 2500000277.
Alternatively, people can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via their website.